Forty Minute Forum » Fall 2010
SEPTEMBER 26 Francis Broun
"More Than Meets the Eye: Symbolism in Religious Art" Half a millennium ago, few people could read, and so the Christian message was carried through an understanding of art. Now we read words, but we have lost the ability to “read” the symbols in art. Using both profound knowledge and an entertaining sense of humour, Dr. Broun shows us how to read two works by Jan van Eyck (1390-1441), The Arnolfini Wedding and Virgin and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele.
"Building a Better City" We all share John Tory’s love for the city we call home. Toronto today faces serious challenges. Building the city of the future will involve more than just elected municipal, provincial and federal people and resources. Having replaced the late David Pecaut as chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance in January, John Tory reports on their current policies and tells us how different groups can work together to bring about real improvements and change.
OCTOBER 24 Ted Barris
“They Never Talked About It” For veterans, describing combat, imprisonment or lost comrades from the World Wars, the Korean War or even Afghanistan is reserved for Remembrance Day or the Legion lounge. Nobody was ever to know the hell of their war. About 25 years ago, Barris began breaking through the silence. He found that veterans would talk to him, set the record straight and put a face on the service and sacrifice of men and women in uniform. Today Ted Barris tells that long-hidden story.
OCTOBER 31 Bridget Stutchbury
"The Bird Detective: Investigating the Secret Lives of Birds" Why do some birds readily "divorce"? Why don't parents treat their sons and daughters equally? Why do females sneak in quick sex with neighbouring males? And why do some adults forgo breeding altogether? Stutchbury describes the territorial nature of birds and their nesting habits, revealing why some species prefer to live in over-crowded group, and illuminates how climate change and other pressures of the modern world are forcing birds to change their habits as they fight for their very survival.
NOVEMBER 7 Obidimma Ezezika
"Feeding Africa: Scientific and Social Issues" The only region in the world where food production continues to decrease annually is sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the potential benefits of Biotech/Genetically Modified crops, their development and use remains a challenge. Considering African stake-holders, Dr Ezezika shows how technological possibilities involve ethical, social, cultural, and commercial issues.
NOVEMBER 14 John English and Ramsay Cook
"Pierre Trudeau: Why Canadians Still Watch Him" Pierre Trudeau still intrigues Canadians more than a quarter of a century after he left office and a decade after his death. Today two distinguished Canadian historians reflect on Trudeau’s achievements and ponder the question: Why does he haunt us still?
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Scottish-born, Princeton-educated art historian; former teacher and gallery show organizer at the Art Gallery of Ontario; lecturer at the Ontario College of Art and Design; freelance lecturer and art travel guide; semi-finalist in TVO’s Best Lecturer competition, 2009 
Chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance; host of Live Drive daily on CFRB; lawyer; business man; political activist; former president and CEO of Rogers Media, mayoralty candidate, MPP and leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party
